Europe series 2008 calendar and teams

Formula BMW Europe takes shape: Calendar and teams established.
The 2008 motor racing season is taking shape.
Preparations are underway for the start of Formula BMW Europe. This series is the
result of merging the Formula BMW championships in ...

Formula BMW Europe takes shape: Calendar and teams established.

The 2008 motor racing season is taking shape.
Preparations are underway for the start of Formula BMW Europe. This series is the
result of merging the Formula BMW championships in Germany and the UK, boasts
100,000 Euros prize money and will hold seven races in the support programme of
the elite FIA Formula One World Championship.

The provisional race calendar sees Barcelona's "Circuit de Catalunya" (ESP) as the
stage for the first race of the season. On 27th April 2008, the talented juniors will take
to the track to battle for the first points and victories. They will visit classic GP circuits
like Silverstone, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, as well as the
winding Hungaroring in Budapest (HUN). The races in Valencia (ESP) will be a
particular highlight, as the youngsters chase each other around a new street circuit.
One of the eight Formula BMW Europe race weekends will take place outside of the
F1 calendar. Precise dates will be announced later.

Before the most interesting entry-level series in single-seater racing gets underway,
the scholarship course for the championship will take place at the Formula BMW
Racing Center in Valencia on 22nd and 23rd October. The four most talented
youngsters - "Formula BMW Europe Juniors" - will receive the coveted
scholarships. The scholarship sum has been raised from 50, 000 to 75,000 Euros, to
reflect the importance of this special support programme. Both "Rookie Cup"
winners of the 2007 German and British Formula BMW series will also enjoy unique
support, including participating in the unique Education and Coaching programme, if
they take part in Formula BMW Europe.

Preregistration, which was necessary due to the size of demand, is now complete,
and the 13 teams that will each enter three cars in 2008 Formula BMW Europe have
been established. The list not only includes teams that have been committed to
Formula BMW in the past, but also well-known GP2 racing teams. Before and during
the season, up to six official two-day tests will be organised. Each team can take part
in a maximum five tests. The actual race weekends include a free practice, qualifying,
and two races (one on Saturday and one on Sunday), which give the drivers plenty of
time to come to terms with the circuits.

BMW Motorsport Director Theissen says: "Formula BMW offers talented junior
drivers more than just a car to drive. Our specially designed Education and Coaching
programme teaches them everything they need to hold their own in the big world of
motorsport. Formula BMW has developed into the top entry-level class in the world
of single-seater racing, and has consolidated this role in recent years. We give the
young drivers the tools they need to break through in higher Formula racing classes."
<pre>
Provisional calendar for Formula BMW Europe:

Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2007
series are being held in Germany, Great Britain, Asia and North America. Equal
opportunities is the priority: the young drivers in all series are given the chance to
take their first steps in the world of professional motor racing in identical FB02 cars.
This racing car has been a feature on the grid since 2002 and has set new standards
in safety technology in particular. The single-seater is powered by a 140bhp BMW
engine and reaches 230 km/h. It also comfortably exceeds the safety requirements
specified by motor sport's governing body FIA for its class and even matches
Formula One standards. BMW Motorsport developed FORS (Formula Rescue Race
Seat) specifically for Formula BMW. The HANS (Head and Neck Support) system is
also obligatory for all drivers. The best-known alumni of this talent hothouse are
Formula One drivers Timo Glock, Christian Klien, Nico Rosberg, Ralf Schumacher,
Adrian Sutil and Sebastian Vettel. The Formula BMW World Final will be held in
Valencia from 23rd to 25th November 2007. On 22nd November, last year's winner,
Christian Vietoris, will receive a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.
Press Contact: